Advice! Sea World Orlando vs. BGT

[LDedios432]

Hi everyone!

 

My fiance and I are heading down to Orlando for the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon. For one of the days, we're thinking of checking out either Sea World Orlando or Busch Gardens Tampa.

 

We're kind of stuck on where to go!

 

I'm more of a coaster enthusiast so my vote would be for BGT, but I'm also interested in the rides at SWO, especially with Antarctica now open. He's not really into extreme coasters as much as I am, but I know BGT also has animals. My only apprehension is that we're going to Animal Kingdom as well, and I'm worried that our trips and experiences will be a bit redundant.

 

We've been to WDW before and love it, but we'd like to try something new this trip. Any thoughts on SWO vs BGT? Where would you rather go, if you had to choose?

[jarmor]

While both parks have animals BGT is more less a glorified zoo with roller coasters, where as sea world animals are the entertainment. I was apprehensive to visit sea world all the years I have been traveling to Orlando (since 2001 as an adult alone) and I finally went to sea world last year. I would say sea world because while seeing the animals at bgt...I think the experience would be better at sea world. Also aquatica is right next door! I would suggest doing Aquatica first thing in the morning...then heading over to sea world...if time permits!

[SharkTums]

I would not consider the SWO rides versus the BGT rides in any contest. If you like rides, you have to do BGT. Antarctica is very much a 'family' ride and I wouldn't think it will really appeal to you. I feel that Animal Kingdom and BGT are different enough that you won't be bored. The animal exhibits are quite different.

[DirkFunk]

If the drive is irrelevant to you and your primary/major interest in either are coasters, then obviously Busch Gardens Tampa having more coasters is going to be the better option. If it the drive does matter to you and you are interested in the shows, animal exhibits, food, etc, then Sea World is the better choice.

[Jackdude101]

Both are solid parks, but if you are in Orlando, I'd say go to SeaWorld just for the convenience of not having to drive an extra 90 minutes to get to Busch Gardens. Busch Gardens has way more big rides, but it's not like SeaWorld has zero. SeaWorld has two huge B&M roller coaster models and the atmosphere around the park is super cozy and relaxing. Plus, the lines for all the rides disappear whenever the Shamu shows throughout the day are in progress.

[simon8899]

BGT has the more coasters and a little variety at them - 3x B&M, 1x Schwarzkopf, 1x Intamin, 1x Mack plus the kiddie coasters I forgot to ride - plus they also have some other rides like Phoenix, a rafting and more which makes a little more complete. The animal displays are IMO a little more natural than those at Animal Kingdom - I liked the white tiger and chetah habitat much, plus they have some freaky apes.

 

The rides at Sea World are a little limited for my tastes with a Mack water coaster and two - very good - B&M. But if you are into sealife this is the park to visit. Liked the shark tunnel and the sea lion habitat. As I am not that much into shows after 2/3 of the day I was mostly re-riding the coasters till closing.